Camptothecins Conjugated in Position 7 to Cyclic Peptides as Cytostatic Agents

ABSTRACT

Compounds of Formula (I) are described  
                 
 
in which the R 1  group is as defined in the specification and includes the condensation of the camptothecin molecule in position 7 with a cyclopeptide containing the RGD sequence. Said compounds are endowed both with high affinity for integrin receptors α v β 3  and α v β 5  and with selective cytotoxic activity on human tumour cell lines at micromolar concentrations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds with cytotoxic activity consisting of cyclopeptides containing the RGD sequence and derivatives of camptothecin, methods for the preparation thereof, their use as medicaments and compositions containing them.

In particular, the compounds described in the present invention are endowed both with high affinity for integrins α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ and selective cytotoxic activity on human cell lines at micromolar concentrations.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Chemotherapeutic anticancer agents are the drugs with the most restrictive therapeutic window. In fact, since their cytotoxic activity is non-selective they may indiscriminately damage all the cells of the body with which they come into contact.

There currently exists the problem of directing the cytotoxic agent selectively against the tumour cells, allowing the agent to exert its activity without damaging the cells of the healthy surrounding tissues, or at least limiting the damage as much as possible.

It has been reported in the literature that blocking the integrins α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ by means of the use of selective cyclopeptides, the reference compound for which is regarded as cyclopentapeptide c(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val) (JACS 1997, 119, 1328-35; international patent application WO 97/06791), or by means of the use of monoclonal antibodies (Cell, 1994, 79, 1157-64) leads to the arrest of angiogenesis and to a reduction of tumour growth. In addition, antimetastatic effects have also been observed (J. Clin. Invest., 1995, 96, 1815). Brooks et al. (Science, 1994, 264, 569-71) reported that the endothelial cells of the tumour vasculature and the tumour cells themselves preferentially express integrin α_(v)β₃ compared to the quiescent cells of normal tissue. Among the compounds at an advanced stage of clinical development, we may mention c(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-MeVal), or EMD121974 or cilengitide.

Ruoslati and co-workers (Current Opinion in Oncology, 1998, 10, 560-5) showed that RGD analogues that bind to the tumour endothelium, once conjugated to the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin, form compounds that are more efficient and less toxic than doxorubicin alone. These authors also demonstrated, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the effect is attributable to the conjugation to RGD, inasmuch as the binding is antagonised by the free peptide itself (Arap, Pasqualini and Ruoslati, Science, 1998, 279, 377-380). Later, the same authors carried out other experiments consisting in chemically binding a pro-apoptotic peptide sequence to an RGD analogue, demonstrating that the new compounds were selectively toxic for angiogenic endothelial cells and had anticancer activity in mice (Ruoslati, Nature Medicine, 1999, 5, 1032-8).

Marcus et al., in international patent application WO 01/17563, describe specific anticancer activity for cytotoxic agents, such as camptothecin, conjugated by means of a spacer, consisting of one or more amino acids, to a non-peptidic inhibitor antagonist of integrins α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅.

Aoki et al., Cancer Gene Therapy, 2001, 8, 783-787 describe the specific anticancer activity of a histidylated oligolysine conjugated to an RGD sequence, revealing a homing effect for tumours in mice.

The concept of binding at the cell surface mediated by integrins has been proposed for gene transport (Hart, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1994, 269, 12468-12474).

It has now been found that the 7-iminomethyl or 7-oxymethyl camptothecin derivatives conjugated, possibly by means of suitable spacers, to cyclopeptide derivatives containing the RGD sequence are endowed with high, selective anticancer activity and can be advantageously used for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of tumours.

By virtue of their selective cytotoxic activity on tumour cells, the compounds according to the present invention yield medicaments with fewer and less severe side effects.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention are camptothecin derivatives conjugated to cyclopeptide derivatives containing the RGD sequence. The resulting molecules conserve unaltered both the cytotoxic properties of the original camptothecins and integrin binding properties with affinity comparable to that observed with the non-conjugated cyclopeptides. The result of this combination is to favour the concentration of the cytotoxic agent in those cells that most express integrins of the α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ type (homing). The cytotoxic agent exerts its intracellular activity in the conjugated and/or free form through enzymatic or hydrolytic action.

The object of the present invention are compounds of Formula (I)

where:

-   -   i is 0 or 1;     -   R₁ is the group —CH═N—(O)_(m)—R₂-Z-X—Y;     -   where m is 0 or 1;     -   R₂ is selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched         C₁-C₇ alkylene, linear or branched C₂-C₇ alkenylene, C₃-C₁₀         cycloalkylene, C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, C₆-C₁₄ arylene, arylene         (C₆-C₁₄)-alkylene (C₁-C₆), alkylene (C₁-C₆)-arylene (C₆-C₁₄),         aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle (C₃-C₁₄), containing at         least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N,         S, heterocycloalkylene (C₃-C₁₀ containing at least one         heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N,         S)-alkylene (C₁-C₆), alkylene (C₁-C₆)-heterocycloalkylene         (C₃-C₁₀ containing at least one heteroatom selected from the         group consisting of O, N, S); a polyaminoalkyl group of formula         —(CH₂)_(m1)—NR₈—(CH₂)_(n1)—NR₉—(CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—NR₉)_(p1)—H, where         m₁ and n₁, which may be the same or different, are an integer         number from 0 to 6;     -   R₈ and R₉, which may be the same or different, are selected from         the group consisting of H, a linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl,         Boc, Cbz; monosaccharides, such as 6-D-galactosyl, or         6-D-glucosyl; each of the above-mentioned groups may possibly be         substituted by one or more groups selected from the group         consisting of CN, NO₂, NH₂, OH, SH, COOH, COO-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅),         CONH-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅), SO₃H, SO₃-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅), where the alkyl         group is linear or branched; a halogen atom;     -   Z is either absent, or is selected from —NH—, —CO—, —O—;     -   X is either absent, or is selected from the group consisting of         —COCHR₃NH—, —COCHR₆(CH₂)_(n2)R₄—, —R₄—CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n3)OCH₂R₄—,         —R₄(Q)R₄—, —R₅[Arg-NH(CH₂)_(n1)CO]_(n4)R₅—,         —R₅—[N-guanidinopropyl-Gly]_(n3)R₅—, —CON[CH₂)_(n4)NHR₇]CH₂—, in         which n₁ is an integer number from 2 to 6, n₂ is an integer         number from 0 to 5, n₃ is an integer number from 0 to 50, n₄ is         an integer number from 2 to 7;     -   R₃ is H or linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally         substituted with —COOH, —CONH₂, —NH₂ or —OH; C₆-C₁₄ aryl;     -   R₄ is selected from the group consisting of: —NH—, —CO—, —CONH—,         —NHCO—;     -   R₅ is either absent or is —R₄(Q)R₄—;     -   R₆ is either a hydrogen atom, —NH₂;     -   R₇ is a hydrogen atom or linear or branched (C₁-C₄) alkyl;     -   Q is selected from the group consisting of: linear or branched         C₁-C₆ alkylene; linear or branched C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene; linear         or branched C₂-C₆ alkenylene; linear or branched C₃-C₁₀         cyclo-alkenylene; C₆-C₁₄ arylene; arylene (C₆-C₁₄)-alkylene;         (C₁-C₆), alkylene (C₁-C₆)-arylene (C₆-C₁₄); aromatic or         non-aromatic heterocyclyl (C₃-C₁₄), containing at least one         heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, S;     -   Y is the formula c(Arg-Gly-Asp-AA₁-AA₂), in which:     -   c means cyclic;     -   AA₁ is selected from the group consisting of: (D)-Phe, (D)-Trp,         (D)-Tyr, (D)-2-naphthylAla, (D)-4-terbutyl-Phe,         (D)-4,4′-biphenyl-Ala, (D)-4-CF₃-Phe, (D)-4-acetylamino-Phe;     -   AA₂ is selected from the group consisting of:         NW—CH[(CH₂)_(n7)—CO]—CO, NW—CH[(CH₂)_(n5)—NH]—CO,         NW-[4-(CH₂)_(n5)—CO]-Phe, NW-[4-(CH₂)_(n5)—NH]-Phe, [NW]-Gly,         NW-Val, in which W is selected from H, linear or branched C₁-C₆         alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n5)—COOH where n₇ is an integer number from 0 to         5, 4-carboxybenzyl, 4-aminomethylbenzyl; the N₁-oxides, racemic         mixtures, their single enantiomers, their single         diastereoisomers, the forms E and Z, mixtures thereof, the         pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

The present invention also provides methods for the preparation of the above-mentioned compounds of Formula (I).

The present invention comprises the use of compounds with the above-mentioned general formula (I) as active ingredients for medicaments, and particularly for medicaments useful as topoisomerase I inhibitors. Among the therapeutic applications deriving from topoisomerase I inhibition, we mention tumours and parasitic or viral infections.

Given their particular pharmacological characteristics, the formula (I) compounds are also useful for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of tumours and the metastatic forms thereof.

The present invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of Formula (I) as active ingredients, in mixtures with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and/or excipient.

The compounds according to the present invention are the result of the condensation of a camptothecin molecule, functionalised in position 7, with a cyclopeptide containing the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence. This structural combination has the advantage of favouring the concentration of the cytotoxic agent (camptothecin) in the cells that most express integrins of the α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ type. The cytotoxic agent exerts its activity in the conjugated and/or free form through enzymatic or hydrolytic action.

The definitions of the various functional groups and residues, as well as the definitions of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts that figure in the above-mentioned formula (I), are common knowledge to any expert chemist and no particular definitions are necessary. However, reference to such groups can be found in the technical and patent literature, e.g. in international patent applications WO 00/53607 (camptothecin derivatives having antitumor activity), WO 03/101995 (camptothecin with a modified lactone ring; i=1) and WO 03/101996 (ester in position 20 of camptothecin), filed in the name of the present applicant.

One initial group of preferred compounds consists of compounds of Formula (I) where m=1.

In this first group, R₂ is preferably alkylene, and more preferably methylene or ethylene, X is absent.

Another group of preferred compounds consists of compounds of Formula (I) in which X═R₄CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n3)OCH₂R₄].

The most preferred compounds according to the present invention are the following:

Compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared with the process described here below and exemplified for the preferred compounds according to the invention. This process constitutes a further object of the invention.

Fundamentally, the compounds of Formula (I) which are the object of the present invention are prepared by means of the condensation of camptothecin, the pentacyclic structure of which is indicated briefly here by the abbreviation CP, suitably functionalised in position 7, with a cyclopeptide derivative Y₁.

The condensation reaction can be schematically represented as follows: 7-CP—CH═N—(O)_(m)—R₂-Z₁-X₁+Y₁

where 7-CP represents the polycyclic structure of a 7-substituted camptothecin and Z₁, X₁ and Y₁ represent respectively the groups Z, X and Y as defined in Formula I, eventually appropriately functionalised and/or protected so that the conjugated compounds of Formula I are obtained.

The 7-CP derivatives have been obtained using known approaches, such as those described in EP1044977, or in J. Med. Chem. 2001, 44, 3264-3274, S. Dallavalle et al., while the condensation reaction can be conducted using conventional methods, such as, for instance, Journal of Controlled Release 2003, 91, 61-73; S. S. Dharap et al.; Journal of Medicinal Chem. 2003, 46, 190-3, R. Bhatt;

The cyclopeptide Y₁ can be prepared according to conventional peptide synthesis techniques, as described in examples 1 to 6.

Once the desired cyclopeptide has been obtained, it will be used in the condensation reaction in its protected form, and the protective groups will be removed only after obtaining the final compound. The deprotection is carried out using known methods, e.g. acid conditions by means of the use of pure trifluoroacetic acid or in the presence of chlorinated organic solvents.

The camptothecin derivative 7-CP—CH═N—(O)_(m)—R₂-Z₁-X₁ is obtained using methods which are common knowledge to experts in the sector.

The key intermediate consists in amino(alkoxy)-iminomethyl-camptothecin, the preparation of which is described in WO 03/101995 and WO 03/101996, starting from 7-formylcamptothecin by means of a reaction analogous to that described in the above-mentioned patent EP 1 044 977.

7-Formylcamptothecin is a known compound, the preparation of which is described in patent application WO 00/53607 and in the references cited therein, where, amongst other things, the preparation of the N₁-oxides is also described.

See also Dallavalle S., et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 2001, 11(3): 291-4; Dallavalle S., et al., J. Med. Chem., 2000, 43(21): 3963-9.

The Y(—COOH) compounds are new and constitute a further object of the present invention, particularly as intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of Formula (I).

The compounds described in the present invention are topoisomerase I inhibitors and are therefore useful as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of diseases that benefit from the inhibition of said topoisomerase. In particular, the compounds according to the present invention exhibit antiproliferative activity, and therefore are used for their therapeutic properties, and possess physicochemical properties which make them suitable for formulation in pharmaceutical compositions.

The pharmaceutical compositions contain at least one compound of Formula (I) as active ingredient, in an amount such as to produce a significant therapeutic effect. The compositions covered by the present invention are entirely conventional and are obtained using methods that are common practice in the pharmaceutical industry. According to the administration route opted for, the compositions will be in solid or liquid form and suitable for oral, parenteral or intravenous administration. The compositions according to the present invention contain, along with the active ingredient, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient. Formulation adjuvants, such as, for example, solubilising agents, dispersing agents, suspension agents or emulsifying agents may be particularly useful.

The compounds of Formula (I) can also be used in combination with other active ingredients, such as, for example, anticancer agents or other drugs with antiparasitic or antiviral activity, both in separate forms and in a single dosage form.

The compounds according to the present invention are useful as medicaments with anticancer activity, e.g. in non-microcytoma and small-cell lung cancer, or in colorectal or prostate cancer, glioblastoma and neuroblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoma, carcinoma of the liver, Kaposi's sarcoma, renal carcinoma, sarcoma and osteosarcoma, testicular carcinoma, carcinoma of the breast, carcinoma of the pancreas, melanoma, carcinoma of the urinary bladder and of the head and neck. One of the advantages afforded by the compounds according to the present invention is the combination of antitopoisomerase activity, proper to the camptothecin portion of the molecule, and the integrin inhibiting activity, provided by the cyclopeptide portion of the molecule. The result is the possible combined action of the compounds according to the present invention which will be favourably received in the oncological sector by the experts operating in that sector. In fact, the cyclopeptide portion, containing the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence, not only directs the molecule against tumours expressing integrins, but, once the target has been reached, is capable of exerting multiple functions, ranging from the internalisation of the cytotoxic portion of the molecule to integrin inhibiting activity, with the resulting advantages, particularly in terms of the inhibition of tumour angiogenesis. The cyclopeptide portion, once separated from the camptothecin portion, is also capable of exerting its action at a distance from the site of the tumour, and therefore the compounds according to the present invention also prove useful in the prevention or treatment of metastatic forms.

The medicaments which are the object of the present invention can also be used in the treatment of parasite diseases.

The following examples further illustrate the invention.

The abbreviations used are the following:

Aad (aminoadipic acid);

Amb (aminomethylbenzyl);

Amp (aminomethylphenylalanine);

Boc (ter-butoxycarbonyl);

CSA (camphosulfonic acid);

CTH (catalytic transfer hydrogenation);

DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide);

DCM (dichloromethane);

DIEA (diisopropylethylamine);

DMF (dimethylformamide);

Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl);

HOBT (hydroxybenzotriazole);

NMP (N-methyl-pyrrolidone);

Pht (phthaloyl);

Pmc (pentamethylchroman-6-sulphonyl);

ST1968 (2-aminoethoxyiminomethyl-camptothecin)

TBTU (tetrafluoroborate-O-benzotriazol-1-yl-tetramethyluronium);

TFA (trifluoroacetic acid).

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-Amp) (Protected ST2581)

1.587 mmol of Fmoc-Gly-Res (Res=Sasrin Resin®, Bachem) were suspended under stirring in 75 ml of DMF for 30 minutes, after which 18 ml of piperidine were added, continuing the stirring for a further 30 minutes. The resin, filtered and washed with DMF, was suspended in 50 ml of NMP (N-methyl-pyrrolidone) for 15 minutes, after which Fmoc-Arg(Pmc)-OH, HOBT, TBTU and DIEA were added (3.174 mmol of each); after 2 hours of stirring, the suspension was filtered and washed with DMF. After deprotection with piperidine, the coupling was repeated with the other amino acids in succession, operating each time as described above, namely: Fmoc-Amp(Cbz)-OH, Fmoc-D-Phe-OH, and Fmoc-Asp(OtBu)-OH. After the last deprotection of the Fmoc-N-terminal, the linear pentapeptide was released from the resin with 45 ml of 1% TFA in DCM. This was dissolved in approximately 1 l of CH₃CN, and 4.761 mmol of HOBT and TBTU and 10 ml of DIEA were added; the solution was kept under stirring for 30 minutes, the solvent was evaporated to a small volume and the precipitation of the product was completed with water. The filtered crude product was dissolved in 27 ml of a mixture of MeOH and DMF 1:1; 5 mmol of ammonium formiate and 0.55 g of 10% Pd/C were added and left under stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes. The suspension was filtered on celite and brought to dryness. The residue was purified by preparatory RP-HPLC (column: Alltima® C-18, Alltech; mobile phase 50% CH₃CN in water+0.1% TFA; retention time (Rt)=9.13 minutes). 483 mg of a white powder were obtained.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.3, 8.07, 8.04, 7.90, 7.80, 7.33, 7.15, 7.07, 4.62, 4.50, 4.35, 4.12, 4.01, 3.15, 3.03, 2.96-2.65, 2.58, 2.48, 2.32, 2.02, 1.75, 1.50, 1.35, 1.23.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): 973

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of c(Ary(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-Aad) (Protected ST2650)

0.69 mmol of Fmoc-Gly-Res were treated exactly as described in example 1, with the difference that in this case the third and fourth amino acids were added in the form of dipeptide Fmoc-D-Phe-Aad(OBzl)-OH. After deprotection by means of CTH, and purification of the crude product with preparatory RP-HPLC (mobile phase: 66% CH₃CN in water+0.1% TFA; Rt =17.29 minutes), 187 mg of pure peptide were obtained.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 7.23, 4.58, 4.20-3.90, 3.28, 3.05, 2.99, 2.85, 2.74-2.35, 2.15, 2.05, 1.85-1.25.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): 940

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-N-Me-Amp) (Protected ST2700)

To a suspension of Fmoc-Phe(4-Pht-N—CH₂)—COOH in anhydrous toluene brought to reflux 2 eq of CSA and 20 eq of paraformaldehyde were added, divided into 4 portions at intervals of 15 minutes. The mixture was left to cool, diluted with 120 ml of toluene and washed with 5% NaHCO₃ and water. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was dissolved in 15 ml of CHCl₃+15 ml of TFA+700 μl of Et₃SiH; the mixture was left in the dark to stir for 42 hours. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by filtration on silica gel. Overall yield: 90%.

The linear peptide was synthesized in solid phase as described in example 1, inserting Fmoc-N-Me-Phe-(4-Pht-N—CH₂)—COOH as the third amino acid, prepared as described above. In this case the deprotections of N-Fmoc-terminal on resin were carried out with 30% diisopropylamine (300 eq) in solution in DMF (owing to the presence of phthalimide). After cyclisation, 500 mg of the peptide were dissolved hot in 10 ml of absolute EtOH, to which 0.9 ml of a solution of NH₂—NH₂—H₂O 1 M in ethanol was added. After heating at reflux for 2 hours, the solvent was evaporated and the residue taken up with 10 ml of DCM+10 ml of Na₂CO₃ solution under vigorous shaking. The crude final product was recovered from the organic phase after evaporation and purified by preparatory RP-HPLC (mobile phase: 52% CH₃CN in water+0.1% TFA; Rt=10 minutes).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.29-7.66, 7.38-7.07, 4.95-4.77, 4.09, 3.41, 3.05-2.81, 2.51, 2.05, 1.74, 1.40, 1.26.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): 987

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of c[Arg(Pmc)-Gly-As-p(OtBu)-D-Phe-Am-p(CO-(CH₂)₂—COOH)] (Protected ST2649)

120 mg of cyclopeptide c[Arg(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-Amp].TFA (prepared as described in example 1) were dissolved in 3.6 ml of a mixture of DCM-DMF 2:1, together with a stoichiometric amount of TEA and succinic anhydride. After 1 hour the reaction mixture was diluted with 30 ml of DCM and washed with water. The organic phase, dried and concentrated, yielded a residue of 100 mg of pure product.

Analytical RP-HPLC: column: Purosphere STAR®, Merck; mobile phase: 45% CH₃CN in water+0.1% TFA; Rt=13.17 minutes.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20-7.75, 7.19-7.02, 4.58, 4.45, 4.36, 4.30, 4.20, 4.05, 3.00, 2.97-2.57, 1.83, 1.62, 1.32.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): 1073

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-As-p(OtBu)-D-Phe-N-Amb-GlW) (Protected ST2701)

To a solution of 1-22 mmol of Boc-monoprotected p-xylylenediamine in 6 ml of THF were added 1.83 mmol of TEA and, dropwise, a solution of 1.22 mmol of benzyl bromoacetate in 2 ml of THF. The mixture was left under stirring overnight, after which the solvent was evaporated and the residue purified on a flash column (CHCl₃-EtOAc, 9:1). 0.69 mmol of N-(4-Boc-NH-CH₂-benzyl)-glycine benzylester were obtained.

250 mg of Fmoc-D-Phe-OH were dissolved in 27 ml of DCM and 40 μl of diphosgene and 230 μl of sym-collidine were added; after 15 minutes 190 mg of the previously prepared ester were added, dissolved in 3 ml of DCM. After 3 hours, 80 μl of N-Me-piperazine were added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 10 minutes, after which the mixture was diluted with 10 ml of DCM and extraction was done with water, HCl 0.5N, water, 5% NaHCO₃ and water. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (DCM-EtOAc, 9:1). Yield: 80%.

To 100 mg of the product thus obtained, dissolved in 6 ml of MeOH, were added 76 μl of AcOH and 42 mg of HCOONH₄, and the mixture cooled to 0° C., and 50 mg of 10% Pd/C were added. After 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was filtered on celite. The filtrate was brought to dryness and purified on a flash column (CHCl₃-MeOH 9:1). Yield: 90%.

190 mg of the product thus obtained were dissolved in 1.2 ml of TFA and brought to dryness (deprotection of Boc); the residue was redissolved in 9 ml of 10% Na₂CO₃+6 ml of dioxane, cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 120 μl of benzyloxycarbonyl chloride diluted with 3 ml of dioxane was added dropwise. After 1 hour stirring at room temperature, evaporation was carried out under vacuum to a small volume, after which the mixture was diluted with water, the pH was reduced to 1 with HCl and extraction was done with EtOAc. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by filtration on silica gel, washing with CHCl₃-MeOH (8:2). Pure dipeptide yield: 82%.

0.69 mmol of Fmoc-Gly-Res were treated as described in example 1. After Arg, the previously prepared dipeptide Fmoc-D-Phe-N(4-Cbz-NH—CH₂-benzyl)-Gl was added in sequence. After deprotection of Cbz by means of CTH, the crude product c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-N-Amp-Gly) was purified by preparatory RP-HPLC (mobile phase: 50% CH₃CN in water+0.1% TFA; Rt=10.5 minutes).

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.29-7.66, 7.44-6.90, 5.15, 4.72-4.18, 4.20, 4.05-3.32, 3.15, 3.06, 2.70, 2.51, 2.49, 2.01, 1.80-1.35, 1.49, 1.35, 1.23.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): 973

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-As-p(OtBu)-D-Phe-Am-p(CO-CH₂—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)—O—CH₂—COOH))

To a solution of 200 mg of c(Arg(Pmc)-Gly-Asp(OtBu)-D-Phe-Amp)-TFA (obtained as described in example 1) in 4 ml of a 3:1 DCM-DMF mixture was added a substantial excess of glycol diacid. DIEA (3 eq) and DCC (2 eq) were added to the same solution. The mixture was left under stirring overnight, after which it was diluted with DCM and washed with water.

The crude product was recovered by evaporating the organic phase and purified by flash chromatography (mobile phase: CHCl₃-MeOH 7:3+1% AcOH); the fractions containing the product were pooled, washed with water, dehydrated and brought to dryness, and yielded a residue of 157 mg of pure product.

Analytical RP-HPLC: (column: Purosphere STAR®, Merck; mobile phase: 50% CH₃CN 50% in water+0.1% TFA; Rt=10.96)

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.35-7.92, 7.20-7.00, 4.65, 4.50, 3.94, 3.60-3.45, 3.00-2.60, 2.55, 2.45, 2.30, 2.00, 1.70, 1.50, 1.30, 1.20.

Molecular mass (Maldi-Tof): corresponding to the different glycols used of various molecular weights.

Synthesis of Conjugated Derivatives

EXAMPLE 7

Condensation of ST1968 with Protected ST2650.

15 mg (0.016 mmoli) of protected ST2650 were dissolved in 1 ml of anhydrous DMF, and the solution brought to °0C.; 3.6 mg (0.027 mmol) of HOBt and 4 mg (0.019 mmol) of EDC were added and the mixture left to react for 30 minutes at 0° C.

6 mg of 2-aminoethoxyiminomethylcamptotecin (0.0131 mmoli) and 8 μl of DIEA (0.046 mmol) were then added and the mixture left to react at room temperature for approximately 60 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=9:1).

The reaction mixture was diluted with H₂O (approximately 10 ml) and three extractions were done with CH₂Cl₂; the organic phases were washed with brine, anhydrified with Na₂SO₄, filtered and brought to dryness. 40 mg of crude product were obtained.

Chromatography: eluent CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=94:6→92:8. 11 mg of product are obtained.

Yield=61%

Release of Protective Groups

9 mg of protected product were dissolved in 4 ml of a CH₂Cl₂:CF₃COOH 1:1 solution and left to react at room temperature for 24 hours.

The reaction was monitored by TLC (CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=94:6).

The reacting solution was brought to dryness, obtaining a solid that was washed 3 times with Et₂O to eliminate the subproducts of the releasing reaction.

5 mg of product were obtained in the form of trifluoroacetate.

Yield=66%.

Analytical Data:

R_(f)=0.24 in CH₃OH:H₂O=7:3 (TLC RP).

HPLC analysis: column: Dynamax® RP C₁₈, sample dissolved in methanol; flow rate: 1 ml/minute; eluent mixture: acetonitrile:water (0.1% TFA)=55:45; gradient: 10 minutes to 55% water (TFA 0.1%): 45% acetonitrile, 10 min to 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 10 min at 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 5 min to initial conditions. λ=360 nm 8.323 (25.8%); 10.969 (74.2%). λ=254 nm 8.325 (29.4%); 10.975 (70.6%).

EXAMPLE 8

Condensation of ST1968 with Protected ST2649

25 mg (0.023 mmol) of protected ST2649 were dissolved in 2 ml of anhydrous DMF and the solution was brought to 0° C., after which 5 mg (0.039 mmol) of HOBt and 5 mg (0.027 mmol) of EDC were added and the mixture left to react for 30 minutes at 0° C.

8 mg of ST1968 (0.019 mmol) and 12 μl of DIEA (0.070 mmol) were added and the mixture left to react at room temperature for approximately 39 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=9:1 to check the start).

The DMF was evaporated, the mixture was diluted with H₂O (approximately 10 ml) and extraction was done 3 times with CH₂Cl₂. The organic phases were washed with brine, anhydrified with Na₂SO₄, filtered and brought to dryness. 29 mg of crude product were obtained.

Chromatography: eluent CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=94:6→9:1. 22 mg of product (lom184) consisting of the two sin and anti isomers of the CH═NO group bound in position 7 were obtained.

Yield=78%

HPLC-MS analysis: column: Symmetry C₁₈ (3.5 μm, 4.6×75 mm); mobile phase: acetonitrile (TFA 0.1%): water (TFA 0.1%)=55:45; gradient: 10 minutes 55% water (TFA 0.1%): 45% acetonitrile, 10 min to 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 10 min at 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 5 min to initial conditions. λ=254 nm: t_(r)=5.20 (42%); t_(r)=5.97 (52%).

MS: (ESI) m/z=1492 corresponding to [MH]⁺.

Removal of Protective Groups

22 mg of protected ST2724 were dissolved in 4 ml of a CH₂Cl₂:CF₃COOH 1:1 solution and left to react at room temperature for 26 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (eluents: CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=95:5 to check the start; H₂O:CH₃OH=3:7 for the product).

Disappearance of protected ST2724 was also monitored by HPLC, injecting samples taken at t=0, t=2 hours, t=26 hours in the following gradient conditions: 10 minutes 55% water (TFA 0.1%): 45% CH₃CN, 10 min to 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 10 min at 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 5 min. to initial conditions; TrprotectedST2724=17.3; 18.1.

Column: Alltima RP C₁₈ (150 mm, DI 4.6 mm, 5μ). Sample dissolved in eluent mixture.

The reaction solution was brought to dryness and washed 3 times; the solid obtained was washed 3 times with Et₂O.

10 mg of trifluoroacetate product were obtained.

Yield=53%

R_(f)=0.52 in CH₃OH:H₂O=7:3 (TLC RP).

Melting point: dec. T>160° C.

HPLC analysis: column: Alltima RP C₁₈ (150 mm, DI 4.6 mm, 5μ). Sample dissolved in eluent mixture; mobile phase: acetonitrile (0.1% TFA): water (TFA 0.1%)=35:65; flow rate=1 ml/minute. Isocratic analysis. λ=254 nm 3.204 (15.0%); 3.982 (79.1%). λ=360 nm 3.204 (12.8%); 3.984 (83.9%).

EXAMPLE 9

Condensation of ST1968 with Protected ST2661

110 mg (0.093 mmoli) of protected ST2661 were dissolved in 4 ml of anhydrous DMF, the solution was brought to 0° C., after which 21 mg (0.158 mmoli) of HOBt and 22 mg (0.112 mmol) of EDC were added, and the mixture left to react for 30 minutes at 0° C.

33 mg of ST1578 (0.077 mmol), 47 μl of DIEA (0.270 mmol) were added and the mixture left to react at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=9:1 to check the start).

Processing: the DMF was evaporated, the mixture was diluted with H₂O (approximately 15 ml) and three extractions were done with CH₂Cl₂. The organic phases were processed with brine, anhydrified with Na₂SO₄, filtered and brought to dryness. 166 mg of crude product were obtained.

Chromatography: eluent CH₂Cl₂:CH₃OH=95:5→8:2. 63 mg of product (Protected ST2742) were obtained. Yield=52%.

HPLC analysis: column: Alltima RP C₁₈ (150 mm, DI 4.6 mm, 5μ), sample dissolved in the eluent mixture; mobile phase: acetonitrile (TFA 0.1%): water (TFA 0.1%)=35:65; flow rate=1 ml/minute; gradient: 10 minutes to 55% water (TFA 0.1%): 45% acetonitrile, 10 min to 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 10 min at 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 5 min to initial conditions. λ=254 nm 15.17 (12.7%); 15.88 (80.2%). λ=360 nm 15.17 (17.5%); 15.88 (79.0%).

Removal of Protective groups

30 mg of protected ST2742 were dissolved in 4 ml of a CH₂Cl₂:CF₃COOH 1:1 solution and left to react at room temperature for 25 hours. Disappearance of the protected product was monitored by HPLC, injecting samples taken at t=0, t=1 hour, t=2 hours, and t=24 hours in the analysis conditions described above.

19 mg of product consisting in the two sin and ainti isomers of the CH=NO group bound in position 7 were obtained.

Yield=73%; m.p. 160° C. (dec); MS (MALDI) m/z: 1272,4.

R_(f)=0.44 in CH₃OH:H₂O=7:3 (TLC RP-18).

HPLC analysis: column: Alltima RP C₁₈ (150 mm, DI 4.6 mm, 5μ), sample dissolved in the eluent mixture; mobile phase: acetonitrile (TFA 0.1%): water (TFA 0.1%)=35:65; flow rate=1 ml/minute; gradient: 85% water (TFA 0.1%): 15% acetonitrile, in 20′ to 10% water (TFA 0.1%), 10′ at 10% water (TFA 0.1%), in 5′ to initial conditions. λ=254 nm 9.65 (28.4%); 10.24 (62.4%).

EXAMPLE 10

Biological Results

Binding to Integrin α_(v)β₃ Receptors

The purified α_(v)β₃ receptor (Chemicon, cat. CC1020) was diluted in buffer (20 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM MnCl₂) at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml. An aliquot of 100 μl was added to 96-well plates and incubated overnight at +4° C. Plates were washed once with buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7,4, 100 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM MnCl₂, 1% bovine serum albumin) and then incubated for another 2 hours at room temperature. Plates were washed twice with the same buffer and incubated for 3 hours at room temperature with the radioactive ligand [¹²⁵I]echistatin (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) 0.05 nM in the presence of competition ligands. At the end of incubation, the wells were washed and the radioactivity determined using a gamma counter (Packard). Non-specific binding of the ligand was determined in the presence of excess cold echistatin (1 μM).

Binding to Integrin α_(v)β₅ Receptors

The purified α_(v)β₅ receptor (Chemicon, cat. CC1020) was diluted in buffer (20 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM MnCl₂) at a concentration of 1 μg/ml. An aliquot of 100 μl was added to 96-well plates and incubated overnight at +4° C. Plates were washed once with buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 100 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM MnCl₂, 1% bovine serum albumin) and then incubated for another 2 hours at room temperature. Plates were washed twice with the same buffer and incubated for 3 hours at room temperature with the radioactive ligand [¹²⁵I]echistatin (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) 0.15 nM in the presence of competition ligands. At the end of incubation, the wells were washed and the radioactivity determined using a gamma counter (Packard). Non-specific ligand binding was determined in the presence of excess cold echistatin (1 μM).

Evaluation of IC₅₀ Parameters

The affinity of the products for vitronectin receptors was expressed as IC₅₀ value ±SD, i.e. as the concentration capable of inhibiting 50% of the specific radioligand-receptor binding. The IC₅₀ parameter was elaborated using “ALLFIT” software.

Results

The conjugate ST2686 showed the most interesting affinity for integrin receptors compared with ST2724 and ST2742, given that the binding calculated as the IC₅₀ value was low (see Table 1). The ability of ST2686 to compete with the radioligand for the integrin α_(v)β₃ receptors was greater than shown by the free RGD peptide ST2650 and comparable to that of ST2650 for the α_(v)β₅ receptors (Table 2). Also ST2724 revealed a major affinity to integrin receptors compared with the free peptide ST2649 (Table 2), whereas ST2742 showed a minor affinity compared with the RGD free peptide ST2661, although it was a potent affinity for both integrin receptors.

Also the other RGD peptides (ST2581, ST2700, ST2701) demonstrated a potent interaction to integrin receptors (Table 2). TABLE 1 Affinity of camptothecin-RGD conjugates for vitronectin α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ receptors α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₅ Compound IC₅₀ ± SD (nM) ST2686 0.59 ± 0.01 0.37 ± 0.01 ST2724 7.27 ± 0.06 8.39 ± 0.07 ST2742 12.5 ± 2.1   6.5 ± 0.03

TABLE 2 Affinity of RGD peptides for vitronectin α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅ receptors α_(v)β₃ α_(v)β₅ Compound IC₅₀ ± SD (nM) ST2650 28.6 ± 0.7 0.17 ± 0.01 ST2649 37.6 ± 0.9  5.1 ± 0.07 ST2661  4.0 ± 0.1 0.35 ± 0.09 ST2581  1.7 ± 0.1 3.4 ± 0.1 ST2700  7.2 ± 0.07  0.9 ± 0.005 ST2701 36.7 ± 0.7 2.9 ± 0.1

Cytotoxicity of the Conjugates on Different Tumor Cell Lines

To evaluate the effect of the compound on cell survival, the sulphorodamine B test was used. PC3 human prostate carcinoma, A498 human renal carcinoma, A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells were used. A2780 and PC3 tumor cells were grown RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (GIBCO), whereas A498 tumor cells were grown in EMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum (GIBCO).

Tumor cells were seeded in 96-well tissue culture plates (Corning) at approximately 10% of confluence and were allowed to attach and recover for at least 24 h. The effect of eight concentrations of the tested drugs were analyzed to calculate their IC₅₀ value (the concentration which inhibits the 50% of cell survival). The plates were incubated for 72 h at 37° C. At the end of the treatment, the plates were washed by remotion of the surnatant and addition of PBS 3 times. 200 μl PBS and 50 μL of cold 80% TCA were added. The plates were incubated on ice for at least 1 h. TCA was removed, the plates were washed 3 times for immersion in distilled-water and dried on paper and at 40° C. for 5 min. Then 200 μl of 0.4% sulphorodamine B in 1% acetic acid were added. The plates were incubated at room temperature for other 30 min. Sulphorodamine B was removed, the plates were washed for immersion in 1% acetic acid for 3 times, then they were dried on paper and at 40° C. for 5 min. Then 200 μl Tris 10 mM were added, the plates were kept under stirring for 20 min. The survival cell was determined as optical density by a Multiskan spectrofluorimeter at 540 nm. The amount of cells killed was calculated as the percentage decrease in sulphorodamine B binding compared with control cultures. The IC₅₀ values were calculated with the “ALLFIT” program.

As reported the conjugates showed the most potent cytotoxic activity on A2780 ovarian tumor cells with IC₅₀ values between 0.16 and 0.4 μM. On A498 tumor cells, ST2742 was more active with an IC₅₀ value of 0.74 μM followed by ST2686 and ST2724 (IC₅₀=3.2 and 4.3 μM, respectively) (Table 3). TABLE 3 Cytotoxicity of the conjugates on PC3 prostate carcinoma, A498 renal carcinoma, A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells PC3 A498 A2780 Compound IC₅₀ ± SD, μM ST2686 15 ± 1.5 3.2 ± 0.4 0.4 ± 0.03 ST2724 4.7 ± 0.4  4.3 ± 0.1 0.16 ± 0.001 ST2742 27 ± 3.9 0.7 ± 0.1 0.18 ± 0.01  

1. Compounds of Formula (I)

where: i is 0 or 1; R₁ is the group —CH═N—(O)_(m)—R₂-Z-X—Y; where m is 0 or 1; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched C₁-C₇ alkylene, linear or branched C₂-C₇ alkenylene, C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkylene, C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkenylene, C₆-C₁₄ arylene, arylene (C₆-C₁₄)-alkylene (Cl-C₆), alkylene (C₁-C₆)-arylene (C₆-C₁₄), aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle (C₃-C₁₄), containing at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, heterocycloalkylene (C₃-C₁₀ containing at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, S)-alkylene (C₁-C₆), alkylene (C₁-C₆)-heterocycloalkylene (C₃-C₁₀ containing at least one heteroatorm selected from the group consisting of O, N, S); a group of formula —(CH₂)_(m1)—NR₈—(CH₂)_(n1)—NR₉—(CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—NR₉)_(p1)—H polyaminoalkyl, where m₁ and n₁, which the same or different, are an integer number from 2 to 6 and p₁ is an integer number from 0 to 3; R₈ and R₉, which may be the same or different, are selected from the group consisting of H, a linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl, Boc, Cbz; monosaccharides, such as 6-D-galactosyl, or 6-D-glucosyl; each of the above-mentioned groups may possibly be substituted by one or more groups selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, NH₂, OH, SH, COOH, COO-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅), CONH-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅), SO₃H, SO₃-(alkyl)(C₁-C₅), where the alkyl group is linear or branched; a halogen atom; Z is either absent, or is selected from —NH—, —CO—, —O—; X is either absent, or is selected from the group consisting of —COCHR₃NH—, —COCHR₆(CH₂)_(n2)R₄—, —R₄—CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n3)OCH₂R₄—, —R₄(Q)R₄—, —R₅[Arg-NH(CH₂)_(n1)CO]_(n4)R₅—, —R₅—[N-guanidinopropyl-Gly]_(n3)R₅—, —CON[CH₂)_(n4)NHR₇]CH₂—, in which n₁ is an integer number from 2 to 6, n₂ is an integer number from 0 to 5, n₃ is an integer number from 0 to 50, n₄ is an integer number from 2 to7; R₃ is H or linear or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted with —COOH, —CONH₂, —NH₂ or —OH; C₆-C₁₄ aryl; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of: —NH—, —CO—, —CONH—, —NHCO—; R5 is either absent or is —R4(Q)R4-; R6 is either a hydrogen atom, —NH2; R7 is a hydrogen atom or linear or branched (C1-C4) alkyl; Q is selected from the group consisting of: linear or branched C1-C6 alkylene; linear or branched C3-C10 cycloalkylene; linear or branched C2-C6 alkenylene; linear or branched C3-C10 cyclo-alkenylene; C6-C14 arylene; arylene (C6-C14)-alkylene; (C1-C6), alkylene (C1-C6)-arylene (C6-C14); aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclyl (C3-C14), containing at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, S; Y is the formula c(Arg-Gly-Asp-AA1-AA2), in which: c means cyclic; AA1 is selected from the group consisting of: (D)-Phe, (D)-Trp, (D)-Tyr, (D)-2-naphthylAla, (D)-4-terbutyl-Phe, (D)-4,4′-biphenyl-Ala, (D)-4-CF3-Phe, (D)-4-acetylamine-Phe; AA2 is selected from the group consisting of: NW-CH[(CH₂)n7-CO]—CO, NW—CH[(CH₂)n5-NH]—CO, NW-[4-(CH₂)n5-CO]-Phe, NW-[4-(CH₂)n5-NH]-Phe, [NW]-Gly, NW-Val, in which W is selected from H, linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH₂)n5-COOH where n7 is an integer number from 0 to 5, 4-carboxybenzyl, 4-aminomethylbenzyl; the N1-oxides, racemic mixtures, their single enantiomers, their single diastereoisomers, the forms E and Z, mixtures thereof, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
 2. Compounds according to claim 1, in which m is equal to
 1. 3. Compounds according to claim 2, in which R₂ is alkylene and Z and X are absent.
 4. Compounds according to claim 2, in which X=R₄CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n3)OCH₂R₄].
 5. Compound according to claim 3, with formula

the N₁-oxides, racemic mixtures, their single enantiomers, their single diastereoisomers, the forms E and Z, mixtures thereof, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
 6. Compound according to claim 3, with formula

the N₁-oxides, racemic mixtures, their single enantiomers, their single diastereoisomers, the forms E and Z, mixtures thereof, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
 7. Compound according to claim 4, with formula

the N₁-oxides, racemic mixtures, their single enantiomers, their single diastereoisomers, the forms E and Z, mixtures thereof, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
 8. Process for the preparation of compounds according to claim 1 carried out as follows: 7-CP—CH═N—(O)_(m)—R₂-Z₁-X₁+Y₁ where 7-CP represents the polycyclic structure of a 7-substituted camptothecin and Z₁, X₁ and Y₁ represent respectively the groups Z, X and Y as defined in Formula I, eventually appropriately functionalised and/or protected.
 9. Pharmaceutical composition containing at least one compound according to claim 1 as the active ingredient in a mixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and/or vehicle.
 10. Use of the compounds according to claim 1 for the preparation of medicaments.
 11. Use of the compounds according to claim 1 for the preparation of a medicament endowed with topoisomerase 1 inhibiting activity.
 12. Use according to claim 11 for the preparation of a medicament with anticancer activity.
 13. Use according to claim 12, in which said medicament is useful for the treatment of non-microcytoma and small-cell lung cancer, colorectal tumours, prostate cancer, glioblastoma and neuroblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian carcinoma, gastrointestinal carcinoma, carcinoma of the liver, Kaposi's sarcoma, renal carcinoma, sarcoma and osteosarcoma, testicular carcinoma, carcinoma of the breast, carcinoma of the pancreas, melanoma, carcinoma of the urinary bladder and of the head and neck.
 14. Use of the compounds according to claim 1 for the preparation of a medicament useful for the prevention or treatment of metastatic forms.
 15. Use according to claim 11 for the preparation of a medicament with antiparasite activity.
 16. Use according to claim 11 for the preparation of a medicament with antiviral activity. 